Executive Communications Strategist

Core Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary communications strategist and trusted advisor to a Vanguard Managing Director.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive external executive communications strategy aligned to enterprise priorities and business objectives. Translate complex business, industry, economic, and market topics and data into compelling narratives and thought leadership platforms.
• Shape and maintain a clear, differentiated thought leadership platform that positions the executive as a credible voice on priority business and industry topics.
• Provide strategic counsel on reputation opportunities and risks, helping the executive navigate complex and high-profile issues.

• Own the Managing Director's external visibility strategy across earned media, external speaking engagements, industry forums, thought leadership platforms, and social channels.
• Advise and prepare executives for media interviews, editorial board meetings, podcasts, broadcast appearances, and other high-profile engagements.
• Cultivate relationships with key journalists, conference organizers, industry influencers, and external stakeholders.
• Develop speeches, keynote presentations, opinion pieces, bylined articles, talking points, social content, and other thought leadership assets designed for external audiences.

• Establish and lead a measurement framework to assess the effectiveness of executive communications, thought leadership, media engagement, and speaking programs. Define success metrics and key performance indicators that demonstrate how executive communications contribute to Vanguard's reputation, strategic priorities, and business objectives.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 12 years of experience in executive communications, corporate communications, media relations, public relations, journalism, public affairs, or a related field.
• Significant experience advising C-suite or senior executive leaders in highly visible environments.
• Proven track record developing executive thought leadership platforms and external communications strategies.
• Demonstrated media relations expertise, including developing proactive media strategies and supporting executives in high-profile media engagements.
• Strong understanding of the financial services media landscape and experience working with national, trade, broadcast, and digital media.
• Exceptional writing, storytelling, messaging, and presentation development skills.
• Experience developing communications measurement frameworks and demonstrating the impact of executive communications programs.
• Ability to influence senior leaders, navigate ambiguity, and operate effectively in fast-paced, high-stakes environments.
• Undergraduate degree or equivalent combination of education and experience required.

Special Factors

Sponsorship

Vanguard is not offering visa sponsorship for this position.

About Vanguard

At Vanguard, we don't just have a mission—we're on a mission.

To work for the long-term financial wellbeing of our clients. To lead through product and services that transform our clients' lives. To learn and develop our skills as individuals and as a team. From Malvern to Melbourne, our mission drives us forward and inspires us to be our best.

How We Work

Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for the majority of our crew members, designed to capture the benefits of enhanced flexibility while enabling in-person learning, collaboration, and connection. We believe our mission-driven and highly collaborative culture is a critical enabler to support long-term client outcomes and enrich the employee experience.